Hoppe named Thomaston police chief

Photo by: Daniel DunkleTim Hoppe, having just been confirmed as Thomaston police chief by selectmen Monday night, receives a little help with his badge from his wife, Ann.

Thomaston — Tim Hoppe started dreaming of being a police officer when he was a teenager.

The opportunity to become a Thomaston officer happened by chance while he was at his brother's garage 16 years ago.

And after 16 years with the Thomaston department, he was officially named chief Monday night, Aug. 14.

During a meeting at Watts Hall, Town Manager Valmore Blastow told selectmen Hoppe had been unanimously recommended by the Thomaston Personnel Committee.

"He is a dedicated, hard-working, dependable, honest and fair employee that strives to ensure the community of Thomaston is a safe, secure and welcoming community," Blastow said.

Selectmen voted to name him chief and Hoppe's wife, Ann, pinned his badge on his chest during the meeting. This was met with applause by the numerous police officers, family members and friends who attended the meeting to cheer the new chief on.

Hoppe grew up in New Jersey. He said being a police officer was the way he felt he could serve his community.

He moved to Maine to be with his wife, Ann, a Port Clyde native, whom he met at the wedding of one her sorority sisters in New Jersey. That college friend married Hoppe's uncle.

"She caught the bouquet and I caught the garter," Hoppe said about meeting his future wife.

In the summer of 2001, Hoppe was 29 and still wanted to become a police officer. He was at the Creek Hill Garage in Thomaston and mentioned his desire in the presence of Kevin Haj, then a sergeant with the Thomaston department. He said Haj told him to meet with then-Chief James Hosford, who immediately hired Hoppe as a reserve officer.

Hoppe became a full-time officer and was promoted to sergeant in 2011.

He has served as acting police chief since Haj retired in June after 25 years with the town.

Selectmen also confirmed the appointment of Patrol Officer Olaf Sigaud as sergeant/investigator. Sigaud has been with the department for five years.